U.S. patent application number 14/807631 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-04 for printing apparatus and print control method.
The applicant listed for this patent is CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Hiromitsu Akiba, Shinjiro Hori, Nobutaka Miyake, Junichi Nakagawa.
Application Number | 20160034230 14/807631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55180077 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160034230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hori; Shinjiro ; et
al. |
February 4, 2016 |
PRINTING APPARATUS AND PRINT CONTROL METHOD
Abstract
There is provided a printing apparatus that conveys a print
medium and performs printing on the conveyed print medium, the
printing apparatus including a print data generation unit
configured to generate print data by performing predetermined
pseudo halftone processing of image data to be printed for
quantizing the image data; a pattern data generation unit
configured to generate print data on a detection pattern by
performing the same predetermined pseudo halftone processing of
data on the detection pattern for quantizing the data on the
detection pattern; a pattern printing unit configured to print a
detection pattern based on the generated print data on the
detection pattern; a measuring unit configured to measure the
printed detection pattern; and a print control unit configured to
control printing based on the print data generated for the image
data, based on a measurement result of the detection pattern.
Inventors: |
Hori; Shinjiro;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Miyake; Nobutaka;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Nakagawa; Junichi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Akiba; Hiromitsu; (Yokohama-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
55180077 |
Appl. No.: |
14/807631 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 15/189 20130101;
G06F 3/1208 20130101; G06F 3/1253 20130101; G06K 15/16 20130101;
G06K 15/1881 20130101; G06K 15/1806 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/12 20060101
G06F003/12; G06K 15/02 20060101 G06K015/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 30, 2014 |
JP |
2014-154963 |
Claims
1. A printing apparatus that conveys a print medium and performs
printing on the conveyed print medium, the printing apparatus
comprising: a print data generation unit configured to generate
print data by performing predetermined pseudo halftone processing
of image data to be printed for quantizing the image data; a
pattern data generation unit configured to generate print data on a
detection pattern by performing the same predetermined pseudo
halftone processing of data on the detection pattern for quantizing
the data on the detection pattern; a pattern printing unit
configured to print a detection pattern based on the generated
print data on the detection pattern; a measuring unit configured to
measure the printed detection pattern; and a print control unit
configured to control printing based on the print data generated
for the image data, based on a measurement result of the detection
pattern.
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print
control unit controls conveyance of a print medium.
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined pseudo halftone processing is dither processing.
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined pseudo halftone processing is processing for
performing quantization for data of a plurality of pixels in an
area of a predetermined size according to values of the pixels, and
through the predetermined pseudo halftone processing, print data
resulting from quantization on the image data and print data
resulting from quantization on the data on the detection pattern
are generated as print data on different pixels from each
other.
5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined pseudo halftone processing is processing for
performing quantization on data of a plurality of pixels in an area
of a predetermined size according to values of the pixels, and
through the predetermined pseudo halftone processing, pixels for
print data resulting from quantization on the data for the
detection pattern are the same as part of pixels for print data
resulting from quantization on the image data.
6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print
data generation unit does not generate print data for a pixel for
which print data has been generated by the pattern data generation
unit.
7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern
printing unit selects from a plurality of divided areas obtained by
dividing an area in which the detection pattern is to be printed on
a print medium such that use frequencies of the divided areas are
equalized, to print the detection pattern on the selected divided
area.
8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a data analysis unit configured to analyze the print data on the
detection pattern; and an ink color selection unit configured to
select an ink for printing the detection pattern based on a result
of the analysis, wherein the pattern printing unit prints the
detection pattern by using the selected ink, in the result of
analysis, in a case where lightness of the detection pattern is
lower than a predetermined level, the ink selection unit selects an
ink of an achromatic color, and if not, the ink selection unit
selects an ink of a chromatic color, and in a case where an ink of
a chromatic color is selected, the ink selection unit selects an
ink of a chromatic color that has a hue angle closest to a hue
angle of the detection pattern in the result of analysis.
9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the ink
color selection unit selects a Y ink in a case where the lightness
of the detection pattern is equal to or higher than the
predetermined level in the result of analysis.
10. The printing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising
a selection number storage unit configured to store, for each ink
color, the number of times ink for printing the detection pattern
is selected, wherein in a case where the lightness of the detection
pattern is equal to or lower than the predetermined level in the
result of analysis, the ink color selection unit selects an ink of
the smallest number of selection based on a storage result in the
selection number storage unit.
11. A print control method of conveying a print medium and
performing printing on the conveyed print medium, the print control
method comprising: a print data generation step of generating print
data by performing predetermined pseudo halftone processing of
image data to be printed for quantizing the image data; a pattern
data generation step of generating print data on a detection
pattern by performing the same predetermined pseudo halftone
processing of data on the detection pattern for quantizing the data
on the detection pattern; a pattern printing step of printing a
detection pattern based on the generated print data on the
detection pattern; a measuring step of measuring the printed
detection pattern; and a print control step of controlling printing
based on the print data generated for the image data, based on a
measurement result of the detection pattern.
12. An image processing apparatus for generating data for printing
a detection pattern used in print control on a print medium, the
image processing apparatus comprising: a print data generation unit
configured to generate print data by performing predetermined
pseudo halftone processing of image data to be printed for
quantizing the image data; and a pattern data generation unit
configured to generate print data on a detection pattern by
performing the same predetermined pseudo halftone processing of
data on the detection pattern for quantizing the data on the
detection pattern.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a
print control method, and more particularly, to a technique of
detecting a predetermined pattern printed on a conveyed print
medium to acquire an amount of conveyance of the print medium and
the like.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-274483 discloses
printing, in a predetermined position of a print medium, a cross
pattern formed of a plurality of dots as a predetermined pattern
for detection. It is preferable that this pattern be printed in a
color tone that does not affect the quality of a printed image.
According to print medium conveyance control having such a
configuration as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2010-274483, it is possible to convey a print medium to a target
position in the conveyance by using a result of detection of the
pattern in a fixed position.
[0005] However, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2010-274483, even with consideration of the color tone of the
pattern that does not affect the quality of a printed image, this
may not be sufficient. More specifically, in Japanese Patent
Laid-Open No. 2010-274483, since a pattern is printed independently
of the arrangement of dots forming an image to be printed, the
pattern may be visually identified in the printed image depending
on the density of the image or the printing position of the
pattern. This may lead to a poor image quality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing
apparatus and a print control method capable of printing a
detection pattern used in print control, which cannot be easily
viewed in an image printed on a print medium.
[0007] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a printing apparatus that conveys a print medium and
performs printing on the conveyed print medium, the printing
apparatus comprising: a print data generation unit configured to
generate print data by performing predetermined pseudo halftone
processing of image data to be printed for quantizing the image
data; a pattern data generation unit configured to generate print
data on a detection pattern by performing the same predetermined
pseudo halftone processing of data on the detection pattern for
quantizing the data on the detection pattern; a pattern printing
unit configured to print a detection pattern based on the generated
print data on the detection pattern; a measuring unit configured to
measure the printed detection pattern; and a print control unit
configured to control printing based on the print data generated
for the image data, based on a measurement result of the detection
pattern.
[0008] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a print control method of conveying a print medium and
performing printing on the conveyed print medium, the print control
method comprising: a print data generation step of generating print
data by performing predetermined pseudo halftone processing of
image data to be printed for quantizing the image data; a pattern
data generation step of generating print data on a detection
pattern by performing the same predetermined pseudo halftone
processing of data on the detection pattern for quantizing the data
on the detection pattern; a pattern printing step of printing a
detection pattern based on the generated print data on the
detection pattern; a measuring step of measuring the printed
detection pattern; and a print control step of controlling printing
based on the print data generated for the image data, based on a
measurement result of the detection pattern.
[0009] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an image processing apparatus for generating data for
printing a detection pattern used in print control on a print
medium, the image processing apparatus comprising: a print data
generation unit configured to generate print data by performing
predetermined pseudo halftone processing of image data to be
printed for quantizing the image data; and a pattern data
generation unit configured to generate print data on a detection
pattern by performing the same predetermined pseudo halftone
processing of data on the detection pattern for quantizing the data
on the detection pattern.
[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to
print a detection pattern used in print control, which cannot be
easily viewed in an image printed on a print medium.
[0011] Further features of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments
(with reference to the attached drawings).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an internal structure of
an ink jet type printer according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of a
control unit shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a view showing a detailed structure of a printing
unit shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the principle of detection of
a detection pattern by a direct sensor according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing conveyance amount control
based on direct sensing processing and the processing result
thereof according to the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a detection pattern used in
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating printing of a detection
pattern and image data according to the first embodiment;
[0019] FIGS. 8A to 8C are views illustrating detection of a
detection pattern by a direct sensor according to the first
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a view showing a dither matrix according to a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating printing of a detection
pattern and image data according to the second embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a view showing the relationship between a dither
matrix and a printing area of a direct sensing pattern according to
a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating printing of a detection
pattern and image data according to the third embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing selection of a detection
pattern area and selection processing of a detection pattern
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view showing printing results of detection
patterns as a result of the processing shown in FIG. 13;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a view showing a plurality of dither patterns and
the number of uses of each dither pattern according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a view showing a hue and exemplary usages of inks
representing the hue;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a view showing lightness and exemplary usages of
inks representing the lightness;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing conveyance amount control
based on direct sensing processing and the processing result
thereof according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0030] FIG. 19 is a view showing printing results of detection
patterns according to the fifth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to the attached drawings in detail.
First Embodiment
System Configuration
[0032] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an internal structure of
an ink jet type printer according to one embodiment of the present
invention. A printing apparatus of the present embodiment is a line
printer that uses a long continuous sheet and is adapted to both
the simplex printing and the duplex printing. For example, the
printing apparatus is suitable for the field of printing a large
number of sheets, for example, in a print laboratory or the like.
It should be noted that in the present specification, an area
corresponding to one printing unit (one page) is regarded as a unit
image even if it contains a plurality of small images, characters,
or blanks. More specifically, the unit image means one printing
unit (one page) when a plurality of pages are sequentially printed
on a continuous sheet. The length of the unit image varies
depending on the size of an image to be printed. For example, an
L-size photo image has a length of 135 mm in a sheet conveying
direction, and an A4-size photo image has a length of 297 mm in a
sheet conveying direction. The present invention can be applied to
a wide variety of printing apparatuses such as a printer, a
multi-function printer, a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and
an apparatus for producing various devices.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus of the present
embodiment uses a sheet wound in a roll as a print medium and can
perform printing on both sides of the sheet, that is, a first side
and a second side on the back of the first side. The printing
apparatus of the present embodiment generally includes a sheet
feeding unit 1, a de-curling unit 2, a skewing correcting unit 3, a
printing unit 4, a detection unit 5, a cutting unit 6, an
information printing unit 7, a drying unit 8, a reversing unit 9, a
discharging/conveying unit 10, a sorting unit 11, a discharging
unit 12, a humidifying unit 20, and a control unit 13. A sheet is
conveyed by a conveying mechanism including roller pairs and belts
along a sheet conveying path shown by solid lines in FIG. 1, and
various kinds of processing are performed on the sheet in the
respective units. In the present specification, it should be noted
that in any position of the sheet conveying path, a position closer
to the sheet feeding unit 1 is called "upstream" and a position in
the opposite side is called "downstream."
[0034] The sheet feeding unit 1 is a unit for supporting and
feeding a continuous sheet wound in a roll. The sheet feeding unit
1 can store two rolls R1 and R2 and alternatively draw and supply a
sheet from the rolls. It should be noted that the number of rolls
that can be stored is not limited to two, and one or three or more
rolls may also be stored. Further, a sheet should not be limited to
a roll as long as it is a continuous sheet. For example, a
continuous sheet to which perforation is provided for each unit
length may be folded and stacked at each position of perforation,
and stored in the sheet feeding unit 1. The de-curling unit 2 is a
unit for reducing a curl (warp) of a sheet fed from the sheet
feeding unit 1. By using two pinch rollers relative to one drive
roller, the de-curling unit 2 bends and passes the sheet by giving
a warp reverse to a curl, so that a de-curling force is applied to
the sheet to reduce a curl. The skewing correcting unit 3 is a unit
for correcting skewing (inclination in an original traveling
direction) of the sheet that has passed the de-curling unit 2. An
end portion of the sheet in a reference side is pressed against a
guide member, so that skewing of the sheet is corrected.
[0035] The printing unit 4 is a unit for forming an image on a
conveyed sheet (print medium) through printing processing performed
by a print head 14 provided above the sheet. The printing unit 4
has a plurality of conveying rollers for conveying the print head
14 and the sheet. The print head 14 is a so-called line-type print
head having ink jet type nozzles arranged in an area covering the
maximum width of a sheet assumed to be used in the present
apparatus. The print head 14 has print heads for respective ink
colors arranged in the sheet conveying direction. In the present
embodiment, four print heads are arranged corresponding to four ink
colors: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). It should
be noted that the number of ink colors and the number of print
heads are not limited to four. For an ink jet system, a system
using a heat generating element, a system using a piezoelectric
element, a system using an electrostatic element, a system using an
MEMS element, or the like may be employed. Ink of each color is
supplied to the print head 14 from an ink tank via each ink
tube.
[0036] In the printing unit 4, a head 101 for direct sensing
processing is provided upstream of the print head 14. This allows
printing of a direct sensing pattern (hereinafter also referred to
simply as "a detection pattern") for measuring an amount of
conveyance of a sheet in a predetermined time, as its details will
be described later (printing of a detection pattern). Further,
downstream of the head 101, next to the head 101, a direct sensor
102 is provided for optically measuring the detection pattern
printed by the head 101 (measurement of a detection pattern). The
direct sensor 102 includes, for example, a CCD image sensor or a
CMOS image sensor. The direct sensor 102 can, as will be described
with reference to FIG. 4, capture an image in an area having a
certain size at a time.
[0037] The detection unit 5 is a unit for optically reading, with a
scanner, a detection pattern and an image printed on a sheet in the
printing unit 4 and detecting a condition of nozzles in the print
heads, a sheet conveyance status, an image position, or the like to
determine whether the image has been properly printed. For the
scanner, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor may be used. The
cutting unit 6 is a unit having a mechanical cutter for cutting the
printed sheet into a predetermined length. The cutting unit 6 also
has a plurality of conveying rollers for sending the sheet into the
following step. The information printing unit 7 is a unit for
printing print information (unique information) such as a serial
number or a date on a non-printing area of the cut sheet. Printing
is performed by an ink jet system, a thermal transfer system, or
the like to print characters and codes. A sensor 23 for detecting a
leading edge of the cut sheet is provided upstream of the
information printing unit 7 and downstream of the cutting unit 6.
That is, the sensor 23 detects an end portion of the sheet between
the cutting unit 6 and the position in which printing is performed
by the information printing unit 7. Based on the detection timing
of the sensor 23, a timing at which information is printed by the
information printing unit 7 is controlled.
[0038] The drying unit 8 is a unit for heating the sheet printed in
the printing unit 4 and drying ink applied to the sheet for a short
period of time. Inside the drying unit 8, hot air is applied to the
passing sheet at least from the lower side so as to dry a surface
to which ink is applied. It should be noted that a drying system is
not limited to a system of applying hot air. A system in which
electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation,
or the like) are applied to a sheet surface may also be
employed.
[0039] The above-described sheet conveying path from the sheet
feeding unit 1 to the drying unit 8 is referred to as a first path.
The first path has the shape of a U-turn from the printing unit 4
to the drying unit 8, and the cutting unit 6 is located in the
middle of the U-turn shape.
[0040] The reversing unit 9 is a unit for temporarily winding up a
continuous sheet after printing of a front side is finished in
duplex printing and reversing the sheet, from the front side to the
back side. The reversing unit 9 is provided in the middle of a path
(loop path) (referred to as a second path) from the drying unit 8
to the printing unit 4 through the de-curling unit 2, for feeding
again to the printing unit 4 the sheet that has passed the drying
unit 8. The reversing unit 9 has a wind-up rotary body (drum) for
winding up the sheet by rotation. The continuous sheet that has not
cut after the printing of the front side is temporarily wound up
into the wind-up rotary body. After wound up, the sheet is supplied
to the de-curling unit 2 by the wind-up rotary body that reversely
rotates, and then sent to the printing unit 4. As the sheet is
already reversed, the printing unit 4 may perform printing on the
back side.
[0041] The discharging/conveying unit 10 is a unit for conveying
the sheet cut in the cutting unit 6 and dried in the drying unit 8
and passing the sheet to the sorting unit 11. The
discharging/conveying unit 10 is provided in a path (referred to as
a third path) which is different from the second path in which the
reversing unit 9 is located. To selectively guide the sheet that
has been conveyed in the first path, to the second path or to the
third path, a path switching mechanism having a movable flapper is
provided in a branch position of the paths. The sorting unit 11 and
the discharging unit 12 are provided next to the sheet feeding unit
1 and at the end of the third path. The sorting unit 11 is a unit
for sorting the printed sheets into groups as needed. The sorted
sheets are discharged into the discharging unit 12 having a
plurality of trays. As described above, the third path passes below
the sheet feeding unit 1 toward a side opposite to the printing
unit 4 and the drying unit 8 with respect to the sheet feeding unit
1 so that the sheets are discharged.
[0042] The humidifying unit 20 is a unit for generating humidified
gas (air) and supplying it between the print head 14 of the
printing unit 4 and the sheet. This prevents ink in the nozzles of
the print head 14 from being dried. As a humidification system of
the humidifying unit 20, a vaporization system, a water spray
system, a steam system, or the like may be employed. Examples of
the vaporization system include not only a rotary type of the
present embodiment, but also a permeable membrane type, a drop
penetration type, and a capillary type. Examples of the water spray
system include an ultrasound type, a centrifugal type, a
high-pressure spray type, and a two-fluid spray type. Examples of
the vaporization system include a steam tubing type, an
electro-thermal type, and an electrode type. The humidifying unit
20 and the printing unit 4 are connected by a first duct 21, and
further, the humidifying unit 20 and the drying unit 8 are
connected by a second duct 22. The drying unit 8 generates
high-humidity and high-temperature gas when drying a sheet. This
gas is introduced to the humidifying unit 20 through the second
duct 22 and used as an auxiliary energy for generating humidified
gas in the humidifying unit 20. The humidified gas generated in the
humidifying unit 20 is introduced to the printing unit through the
first duct 21.
[0043] The control unit 13 is a unit for controlling the units of
the entire printing apparatus. The control unit 13 has a CPU, a
storage device, a controller (control unit) including control
parts, an external interface, and an operation part 15 for a user
to perform inputting/outputting. The processing and operations in
the printing apparatus, including control of printing of a
detection pattern according to the embodiments of the present
invention as will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and others,
are controlled based on instructions from the controller or a host
device 16 such as a host computer connected to the controller via
the external interface.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration
of the control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1. The controller (the area
surrounded by broken lines) included in the control unit 13
includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a HDD 204, an image
processing part 207, an engine control part 208, and an individual
unit control part 209. The CPU 201 (central processing unit) has
control over the operations of the units in the printing apparatus.
The ROM 202 stores therein programs executed by the CPU 201 and
fixed data needed for the various operations in the printing
apparatus. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201 or a
temporary storage area for various kinds of received data, and
stores therein various kinds of setting data. The HDD 204 (hard
disk) can store and read programs executed by the CPU 201, print
data, and setting information needed for the operations in the
printing apparatus. The operation part 15 is an input/output
interface between the printing apparatus and a user, and includes
an input part, such as a hard key and a touch panel, and an output
part, such as a display for presenting information and a speech
generator. For example, a display with a touch panel is used to
display to a user an operation status of the apparatus, a printing
status, maintenance information (a remaining amount of ink, a
remaining amount of sheets, a maintenance status, or the like), and
the like. The user can input various kinds of information using the
touch panel.
[0045] A dedicated processing part is provided in a unit requiring
a relatively high speed in data processing. The image processing
part 207 performs image processing on print data handled in the
printing apparatus. The image processing part 207 converts a color
space (for example, YCbCr) of inputted image data into a standard
RGB color space (for example, sRGB). The image processing part 207
further performs color separation processing to convert the RGB
image data into data on C, M, Y, and K inks used in the printer of
the present embodiment. In addition, the image processing part 207
performs various kinds of image processing on the image data on ink
colors as needed such as resolution conversion, image analysis, and
image correction. Then, the image processing part 207 performs
quantization (binarization) on the multivalued image data (for
example, 256 levels) thus obtained for each of the C, M, Y, and K
inks to generate print data (binary data) for each of the C, M, Y,
and K inks. In the present embodiment, as will be described later,
binarization processing is performed by using a dither pattern
(dither processing). In this respect, the printing apparatus of the
present embodiment forms an image processing apparatus.
[0046] The print data obtained through the above image processing
is stored in the RAM 203 or the HDD 204. Further, the image
processing part 207 also performs processing such as control of the
head 101 for direct sensing (described later), analysis of captured
data obtained from the direct sensor 102, and sending an analysis
result to the engine control part 208 as a feedback.
[0047] The engine control part 208 controls driving of the print
head 14 of the printing unit 4 according to the print data based on
a control command received from the CPU 201 or the like. The engine
control part 208 further controls a conveying mechanism of the
units in the printing apparatus. The individual unit control part
209 is a sub controller for individually controlling the units,
such as the sheet feeding unit 1, the de-curling unit 2, the
skewing correcting unit 3, the detection unit 5, the cutting unit
6, the information printing unit 7, the drying unit 8, the
reversing unit 9, the discharging/conveying unit 10, the sorting
unit 11, the discharging unit 12, and the humidifying unit 20.
[0048] Based on instructions from the CPU 201, the individual unit
control part 209 controls operations of the units. An external
interface 205 is an interface (I/F) for connecting the controller
to the host device 16, and is a local I/F or a network I/F. The
above-described constituent elements are connected with each other
via a system bus 210.
[0049] The host device 16 is a device for providing image data for
causing the printing apparatus to perform printing. The host device
16 may be a general-purpose or dedicated computer or a dedicated
image device such as an image capture having an image reading part,
a digital camera, and a photo storage. If the host device 16 is a
computer, an OS, application software for generating image data,
and a printer driver for the printing apparatus are installed in a
storage device included in the computer. It should be noted that it
is not necessary to cause software to achieve all of the above
processing. Hardware may achieve part or all of the above-described
processing.
<Printing Unit>
[0050] FIG. 3 is a view showing a detailed structure of the
printing unit 4 shown in FIG. 1. In the printing unit 4, a sheet S
is conveyed in an arrow A direction in FIG. 3 with three types of
roller pairs: a first roller pair, a second roller pair, and a
third roller pair. The first roller pair is a roller pair including
a conveying roller 301 to which a drive force is transferred and a
pinch roller 302 that rotates following the conveying roller 301.
The second roller pair indicates each of four roller pairs
including a plurality of conveying rollers 303a to 303d to which a
drive force is transferred and a plurality of pinch rollers 304a to
304d that rotate following the conveying rollers 303a to 303d,
respectively. The third roller pair is a roller pair including a
conveying roller 305 to which a drive force is transferred and a
pinch roller 306 that rotates following the conveying roller
305.
[0051] In a printing area 310 downstream of the first roller pair,
four line-type print heads 14a to 14d corresponding to respective
colors of ink are arranged in the sheet conveying direction. Each
of the line-type print heads 14a to 14d is staggered with respect
to each of the pinch rollers 304a to 304d. In the positions
opposite to the print heads 14a to 14d, platens 312a to 312d are
provided, respectively, to support the sheet S. Since the sheet S
in its upstream and downstream sides is nipped by the roller pairs
and is supported by the platens in the respective positions
opposite to the print heads 14a to 14d, the behavior in the sheet
conveyance is stable. Particularly when a sheet is first
introduced, since a leading end of the sheet passes a plurality of
nipping positions in short cycles, it is possible to prevent the
leading end of the sheet from rising. Thus, the sheet is stably
introduced.
[0052] The head 101 for direct sensing prints a detection pattern
for direct sensing on the sheet S as will be described with
reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, etc. The detection pattern is captured
by the direct sensor 102. The direct sensor 102 includes a light
source (for example, a white LED) for illuminating a sheet surface
and a light receiving part such as a photo diode or an image sensor
for detecting light reflected on the illuminated sheet surface for
each of RGB components. More specifically, the direct sensor 102
may include a plurality of line image sensors having a plurality of
photoelectric transducers of a CCD or CMOS structure arranged
one-dimensionally, or may be an area image sensor having a
plurality of photoelectric transducers of a CCD or CMOS structure
arranged two-dimensionally. That is, the direct sensor 102 is a
sensor that can image a detection pattern at a time in a
two-dimensional area having a certain size.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the principle of detection of
a detection pattern by the direct sensor 102 according to the
present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 4 shows images captured
at different timings by the direct sensor 102 that can image a
two-dimensional area at a time. Each captured image shows a partial
area of the surface of the conveyed sheet. The sheet is conveyed in
the arrow A direction in the figure. An image 3001 is an image
first captured, and an image 3002 is an image captured after the
sheet has moved for a predetermined time from the time the image
3001 was captured. The captured images include arrays of dots which
are detection patterns printed on the sheet. Then, in detecting a
detection pattern in these captured images, a search is made for
where in the captured image 3002 acquired after a predetermined
time associated with the above-mentioned different timing exists a
position 3003 of a certain dot in the captured image 3001. As a
result, it is detected that the dot exists in a position 3004 shown
by a broken line in the captured image 3002. In this search, based
on, for example, a maximum change in an amount of conveyance that
may be produced in the apparatus and a conveyance speed of a sheet,
it is determined how much the position of the dot changes in the
predetermined time, and the dot within a range of the position
change is identified as a corresponding dot in the captured image
3002 acquired after the predetermined time.
[0054] Next, it is detected, in the captured images, by how many
pixels, the dots identified as the same dot between the two
captured images are separated in a conveying direction, and the
resultant is obtained as a movement amount 3005 of the sheet in the
above-mentioned predetermined time. Here, coordinates for measuring
the number of pixels between the dots with respect to the movement
amount are fixed to the direct sensor 102. More specifically, the
above-mentioned movement amount is obtained based on the number of
captured pixels according to a resolution of the direct sensor 102.
It should be noted that coordinates for obtaining a movement amount
is not limited to this. Any coordinates may be used as long as the
coordinates are fixed apart from the conveyed sheet.
[0055] Furthermore, a difference between the movement amount 3005
thus obtained and a movement amount set in advance as a reference
is obtained as a change in an amount of conveyance in the
above-mentioned predetermined time.
[0056] More specifically, after the captured image 3001 is acquired
at a timing t1, the captured image 3002 is acquired at a timing t2
after a predetermined time T1 has passed. Then, by searching the
same dot between the two captured images, a movement amount between
the two dot positions is obtained. For example, if the movement
amount 3005 corresponding to the above-obtained pixels after
conversion is 810 .mu.m and a movement amount as a predetermined
reference after conversion is 800 .mu.m, a difference of +10 .mu.m
is a change in the amount of conveyance in the predetermined time
T1. A change of +10 .mu.m in the predetermined time T1 means that
the conveyance speed has increased. On the other hand, if a change
is a negative value "-", it means that a conveyance speed has
decreased. The changes in speed thus obtained are, as will be
described later, sent to the following conveyance control as
feedbacks. Based on the feedbacks, the amount of conveyance
(conveyance speed) is adjusted.
<Direct Sensing>
[0057] Details of direct sensing processing according to a first
embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The
direct sensing processing according to the present embodiment uses
a dither pattern used in quantization (binarization) processing for
generating print data for printing an image of the present
embodiment and generates print data on a detection pattern
(generation of detection pattern data).
[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the direct sensing processing
and conveyance amount control based on the result of the direct
sensing processing, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0059] First, a detection pattern for direct sensing is printed by
using the head 101 (S01). In this processing, binary print data for
printing a detection pattern is generated by using a dither pattern
used in quantization processing for printing an image. Then, based
on the binary data, the head 101 is driven to print a detection
pattern.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a dither pattern used in the
present embodiment. In FIG. 6, an area surrounded by a thick line
denoted by a reference numeral 1701 shows a dither pattern of a
unit (hereinafter also referred to as a dither matrix). The dither
matrix of a unit is a pattern of a predetermined size: 16.times.16
pixels+1.times.8 pixels. Of these pixels, to 8 pixels 1702 (pixels
shown by oblique lines), thresholds for generating dots for a
detection pattern are assigned. Further, to remaining pixels 1703
(pixels shown by blanks or values (thresholds)) in the dither
matrix 1701, thresholds in 256 levels (from "0" to "255") for
generating print data for printing an image are assigned. The
arrangement of the thresholds for generating 8 dots for detection
and the thresholds for printing an image may be a dot
dispersion-type arrangement such as a Bayer type. This can make a
detection pattern for direct sensing less visible in a more
preferable manner. It should be noted that the dither matrix to be
used is not limited to this. Any dither matrix may be used as long
as it can finally make a detection pattern less visible in terms of
the relation between a dither matrix and a printed image. In the
present embodiment, the dither matrix 1701 shown in the figure is
commonly used for print data on C, M, Y, and K inks. A detection
pattern is printed for one color, for example, black (K).
Therefore, the print data on the detection pattern printed in the
current step S01 is generated only for the K ink. It should be
noted that the dither matrix 1701 may vary depending on the C, M,
Y, and K inks in another mode.
[0061] Detection pattern data by using the above-described dither
matrix is specifically generated as follows. To all of 8 pixels
1702 in the dither matrix 1701, a threshold "256" is assigned. On
the other hand, for detection pattern data, multivalued detection
pattern data (256 levels) consisting of 16.times.16
pixels+1.times.8 pixels, which is the same size as the dither
matrix, is prepared. Then, all of the pixel values in the
multivalued detection pattern data are set to "256". Quantization
processing is performed on the multivalued detection pattern data
by applying the dither matrix 1701, so as to obtain print data on
the detection pattern consisting of 8 dots. More specifically, in
the present embodiment, with respect to the pixels in the
multivalued detection pattern data respectively corresponding to
the pixels in the dither matrix, quantization is performed to
generate binary data indicating that a dot is printed ("1") when
data on the pixel has a value equal to or greater than a threshold.
Accordingly, the detection pattern consisting of 8 dots can be
expressed by the same pattern of the pixels shown by the oblique
lines in FIG. 6. As described, the pixel value of the multivalued
detection pattern data is set to a value greater by 1 than the
maximum value ("255") of the pixel value of image data to be
printed. At the same time, the thresholds assigned to the
above-mentioned 8 pixels in the dither matrix are set to "256", so
that quantization data on a detection pattern can be generated by
using the dither matrix used in quantization for printing an image.
As a result, like the arrangement of dots forming an image to be
printed, the arrangement of the dots forming the detection pattern
is in accordance with a pattern of thresholds specified in the
dither matrix, such as the above-mentioned dot dispersion-type
arrangement. In other words, the arrangement of the dots forming
the detection pattern may have a predetermined relation (specified
by the dither matrix) with the arrangement of dots forming an image
to be printed, and accordingly, the detection pattern cannot be
easily viewed as part of the image printed particularly in terms of
gradation.
[0062] Meanwhile, in the quantization (binarization) processing on
the image data for printing by using the above-described dither
matrix of the present embodiment, from the multivalued image data,
image data having a size of 16.times.16 pixels+1.times.8 pixels is
extracted corresponding to a unit of the dither matrix shown in
FIG. 6. Then, quantization is performed on the extracted image data
by applying the unit of the dither matrix having the same size and
shape. In this manner, image data having a size corresponding to
the size of the dither matrix of 16.times.16 pixels+1.times.8
pixels is sequentially extracted, and quantization is performed.
Portions of the image data extracted corresponding to the portions
of 1.times.8 pixels shown in the dither matrix 1701 and the dither
matrix 1705 of FIG. 6 also have a shape corresponding to the
portions of 1.times.8 pixels of the respective matrixes, so that
they are nested with each other.
[0063] It should be noted that in the printing of the detection
pattern and the printing of the image of the present embodiment as
described above, a state in which 8 dots forming the detection
pattern are printed is set as a minimum optical density level, and
density gradation in 256 levels can be expressed in a pseudo
manner. More specifically, if a brightness when no dot is printed
on a sheet is set to 1 (light) and a brightness when dots are
printed on all pixels is set to 0 (dark), printing of the present
embodiment is restricted such that a value 1-8/(256+8) represents
the highest brightness level. However, 256 gradation levels can be
expressed from (1-8/(256+8)) to 0. Then, even if the sheet is in
the state of 1-8/(256+8), it becomes difficult for human eyes to
recognize the density as long as it is particularly uniform as a
whole. Further, if a pattern of 8 dots is changed to a pattern of
fewer dots, it becomes more difficult for human eyes to recognize
the density. In addition, by arranging the dots forming the
detection pattern in a dispersed manner as possible, visibility for
the dots may further be reduced.
[0064] It should be noted that in the example shown in FIG. 6, the
number of dots forming the detection pattern is eight. However, the
number of dots may be decreased to four or increased to 16 for
example, if the shape of the dither matrix and the arrangement of
the adjacent dither matrixes are changed.
[0065] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the
dither matrix 1705 is used, as shown in FIG. 6, in performing
quantization on adjacent image data including 16 pixels.times.16
pixels in an image to be printed (on the right of FIG. 6). The
dither matrix 1705 is basically the same as the dither matrix 1701,
but the arrangement of threshold pixels corresponding to 1
pixel.times.8 pixels is reverse as compared to the arrangement in
the dither matrix 1701. Alternately using the two dither matrixes
1701 and 1705 can quantize the entire image data.
[0066] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating printing of a detection
pattern and image data obtained as described above, and shows a
sheet, a print head, and the like when the printing unit 4 is
viewed from the top. FIG. 7 shows one print head 14 for the sake of
simplicity, and an explanation is made on an example of the case of
printing a detection pattern and an image by using only the K
ink.
[0067] Referring back to FIG. 5, in step S01, based on the
quantized print data for the detection pattern as described above,
the head 101 for direct sensing is used to print 8 dots 1810 (dots
represented by ".times." in FIG. 7) for the detection pattern. It
should be noted that in the detection pattern, as shown in FIG. 7,
a unit of the detection pattern consisting of 8 dots (a unit area
in which a pattern unit is printed is hereinafter also referred to
as a "block") is repeatedly printed in a conveying direction of the
sheet S in a detection pattern area 1801, which is a partial area
of the sheet S. Upstream of the direct sensing print head 101,
there is an area 1802, in which a detection pattern is not printed
yet, corresponding to the above-described dither matrix. The sheet
S is conveyed in the conveying direction shown by the arrow A, and
when the area 1802 passes below the direct sensing print head 101,
the direct sensing print head 101 is driven by the control of the
control unit 13 and a detection pattern as shown by an area 1803 is
printed based on the print data for the detection pattern generated
as described above with reference to FIG. 6.
[0068] Next, in step S02, when the area 1803 passes below the
direct sensor 102, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, a
detection pattern is captured, and the captured data is stored in
an image buffer D01 in the RAM 203 of the control unit 13.
[0069] FIGS. 8A to 8C are views illustrating detection of a
detection pattern by the direct sensor 102 according to the present
embodiment. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, FIGS. 8A
to 8C show three images captured at timings in intervals of a
predetermined time T1 (represented by three blocks in a vertical
direction in the respective figures). It should be noted that to
simplify illustration and explanation, a description will be given
of a detection pattern consisting of 5 dots 1810 (dots represented
by ".times." in FIGS. 8A to 8C).
[0070] FIG. 8A shows captured data when the sheet S is conveyed at
a regular conveyance speed, which is a reference movement amount,
as described above with reference to FIG. 4. In this case, a
movement amount of a dot associated with detection between adjacent
blocks is 16 pixels, which is the reference movement amount. The
positional relation of dots in a block is identical in all of the
blocks.
[0071] FIG. 8B shows captured data when a movement amount of a dot
for the detection pattern changes between the blocks due to a
change in conveyance speed of the sheet S from a regular amount of
conveyance associated with the above-mentioned reference movement
amount. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, a movement amount of a
predetermined dot between the lower block and the middle block is
17 pixels. Next, a movement amount of a predetermined dot between
the middle block and the upper block is 18 pixels. As a result, as
compared to a reference movement amount of 16 pixels, a movement
amount has increased by 1 pixel (+1) in the conveyance in a
predetermined time T1 between the blocks. That is, it can be
detected that conveyance is performed in a higher conveyance speed
by 1 pixel, and the error is accumulated one by one.
[0072] FIG. 8C shows captured data when a movement amount of a dot
changes within a block according to another example of detection.
That is, FIG. 8C shows the case where a conveyance speed has
changed while capturing the detection patterns of the middle block
and the lower block, and a dot movement amount is displaced from
the reference movement amount within the block. In the example
shown in FIG. 8C, in the lower block, the distance between the
lower left dot and the middle dot corresponds to regular 5 pixels
in the conveying direction. On the other hand, in the middle block,
the distance between the lower left dot and the middle dot
corresponds to 6 pixels. The movement amount of the middle dot,
which is a predetermined dot associated with detection, has
increased by 1 pixel (+1).
[0073] Referring back to FIG. 5, in step S04, a correction amount
of a conveyance speed to be corrected is calculated based on the
amount of conveyance (conveyance length) for a unit time calculated
in step S03. For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG.
8B, a delay by one pixel for the predetermined time T1 can return
the conveyance speed to a normal conveyance speed.
[0074] Next, in step S05, a rotation speed of a motor 606 which
drives the conveying roller 301 and the pinch roller 302 that
rotates following the conveying roller 301 is controlled by a
conveyance amount correction signal generated in step S04. Although
FIG. 7 does not show the second roller pairs and the third roller
pair, the amount of conveyance is controlled with respect to these
roller pairs in the same manner. Next, in step S06, processing is
performed, such as color separation processing in which input data
to be printed on the sheet S is converted into ink colors and gamma
correction processing in accordance with ejection characteristics
of the print head, to generate print data on an image to be
printed. Then, in step S07, the print head 14 is driven based on
the print data generated in step S06 to eject ink for printing. At
this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, data on the
pixels 1702 for the detection pattern are not printed, and printing
is performed based on data on the remaining pixels 1703.
[0075] In the above description, an example of printing a detection
pattern only on part of the sheet S by using the direct sensing
print head 101. However, the detection pattern may be printed on
the entire area of the sheet S. This causes gradation to have an
influence on part or all of the sheet S, but it is possible to
print a detection pattern that cannot be easily viewed in a
printing process in which printing is performed according to area
gradation like the present embodiment. In the above example, the
detection pattern is printed with the K ink by way of example, but
other inks may also be used. In particular, as the K ink is
conspicuous, it is preferable to use the Y ink which is less
conspicuous. Further, in the above example, a dither method is used
in pseudo halftone processing, but pseudo halftone processing by
using other method such as error diffusion may also be used. The
error diffusion may be achieved by, for example, forming the
required number of dots for the detection pattern in the area
1801.
Second Embodiment
[0076] In the above-described first embodiment, a description has
been given of the case where a dither matrix is structured in a
manner that dots for printing an image do not overlap with the dots
for a detection pattern. In a mode in which dots for a detection
pattern are printed such that a printing position of a detection
pattern dot is added to dots to be printed, a dot coverage area of
a print medium relatively greatly varies due to a change in
gradation, leading to a great change in density. In a second
embodiment of the present invention, such a great change in density
is suppressed. The configuration of the present embodiment is the
same as the one of the first embodiment except for a different
configuration as will be described below. The description of the
same configuration will be omitted.
[0077] FIG. 9 is a view showing a dither matrix according to the
second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the
dither matrix of the present embodiment is 16.times.16 pixels in
size, and a threshold of 1 to 256 is set to each pixel (FIG. 9
shows only a threshold of 1 to 10). FIG. 10 is a view illustrating
printing of a detection pattern and image data according to the
present embodiment, and is the same view as FIG. 7 according to the
first embodiment. By way of example, a description will be given of
the case where only K ink is used for the sake of simplicity like
the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, therefore, only one print head 14
is shown.
[0078] In the dither matrix of the present embodiment, a threshold
of 1 to 5 is set to a threshold pixel shown by oblique lines in
FIG. 9. Accordingly, if a value of multivalued data on each dot for
the detection pattern of the K ink is "5" or greater, a K ink dot
for the detection pattern is printed on a pixel corresponding to
the threshold pixel shown by the oblique lines. The detection
pattern is printed in a detection pattern area 601 on a surface of
a sheet S as shown in FIG. 10. Upstream of a direct sensing print
head 101, there is an area 602, in which a detection pattern is not
printed yet. The sheet S is conveyed in a conveying direction shown
by an arrow A, and when the area 602 passes below the direct
sensing print head 101, ink is ejected from the direct sensing
print head 101 under the control by a control unit 13, and a
detection pattern as shown by an area 603 is printed based on the
print data generated corresponding to the above-described dither
matrix. The detection pattern thus printed is detected in the same
manner as the above-described first embodiment, and a change in
conveyance speed is detected.
[0079] Then, based on the print data on the image to be printed,
ink is ejected from the print head 14 to print an image. Details of
image printing processing are as follows. For example, it is
assumed that all of the values of the K ink in the target print
data including 16.times.16 pixels are "10". In this example, in
areas 604 and 605, pixel data corresponding to a threshold pixel
having a threshold less than 11 in the dither matrix shown in FIG.
9 is printed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, in the area 605 in
which a detection pattern is not printed, dots for the image are
printed on pixels shown by filled squares. On the other hand, in
the area 604, the dots for the detection pattern are already
printed on pixels shown by blank squares, and the dots for the
print image are printed over those pixels. If a comparison is made
between the case where dots are printed in an overlapping manner as
described above and a change in coverage area is small and the case
where dots are printed on different pixels like the first
embodiment, that is, the case where a dot coverage area on a sheet
surface increases in proportion to the number of dots, the density
of the image perceived by a human varies. That is, if a change in
coverage area is suppressed by printing dots in an overlapping
manner as in the present embodiment, a change in density is hardly
perceived as compared to the case where the coverage area changes
according to the number of dots. As a result, it is possible to set
a color difference between the areas 604 and 605 such that the
color difference is less likely to be perceived. In addition, by
printing dots used for the detection pattern as small as possible,
the influence thereof may be further suppressed.
[0080] According to the above-described embodiment, while printing
a detection pattern and analyzing the pattern to correct the amount
of conveyance, it is possible to prevent poor image quality caused
by printing of the detection pattern.
Third Embodiment
[0081] In the above-described second embodiment, the dots for
printing an image are printed over the dots for the detection
pattern on the surface of the sheet S, so that a great change in
gradation is suppressed. However, in some printing results, an
object image may not be faithfully reproduced. In a third
embodiment of the present invention, improvements are made in this
respect, and image reproducibility is enhanced.
[0082] In the present embodiment, in the print data generation
processing in step S06 of FIG. 5, print data on an image to be
printed on a sheet S is corrected. More specifically, generation of
print data is controlled such that a dot to be printed for printing
an image will not be printed on a pixel on which a dot for a
detection pattern is printed. As described in the second
embodiment, this can prevent the dot by the print data and the dot
for the detection pattern from being printed in an overlapping
manner.
[0083] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating control of the print data
generation and shows the relationship between a dither matrix and a
printing area of a direct sensing pattern. In control of the print
data generation, as shown in FIG. 11, while moving a detection
target matrix 801, it is detected which pixel in print data 803
corresponds to a pixel (802) on which the dot for the detection
pattern is printed. Data on K ink of the detected pixel is
converted into 0, meaning that a dot of the K ink will not be
printed to the detected pixel.
[0084] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating printing of a detection
pattern and image data according to the present embodiment, and is
a similar view to FIG. 7 according to the first embodiment. Like
the second embodiment, it is assumed that all of the values of the
K ink in the print data including 16.times.16 pixels in areas 1604
and 1605 in FIG. 12 are "10". In this case, by the print data
generation of the present embodiment, pixels having a threshold
less than 11 in the dither matrix are printed. When the dither
matrix shown in FIG. 9 is used, in a printing result of the area
1605 in which a detection pattern is not printed, as shown in FIG.
12, dots for a print image are printed on pixels shown by filled
squares. On the other hand, in the area 1604 in which a detection
pattern is also printed, dots of the K ink are printed only on
pixels shown by filled squares, and pixels represented by a sign
".times." are replaced by print data indicating that a dot is not
printed. More specifically, since a value of the print data is
replaced by 0, a dot is not printed. However, the K dot for the
detection pattern is printed on a pixel represented by the sign
".times.", the same printing result as the one of the area 1605 in
which a detection pattern is not printed can be obtained. This can
faithfully reproduce an object image.
[0085] However, in the actual print data, data values variously
change in 16.times.16 pixels. Therefore, dots of the ink may not
always be printed according to the print data on the pixels used
for the detection pattern. However, if an average density of
16.times.16 pixels is greater than a predetermined level, that is,
greater than 6 in the preset embodiment, the pixel used for the
detection pattern is more likely to be printed in view of the
characteristics of the pseudo halftone processing by the dither
matrix. Accordingly, influence of degradation of image quality may
be reduced. Further, even if the pixels used for the detection
pattern are printed as unnecessary dots, decreasing the number of
such dots can suppress degradation of image quality.
Fourth Embodiment
[0086] In the above embodiments, descriptions have been given of
the example of printing detection patterns arranged in a line in
the conveying direction on the surface of the sheet S. However,
since humans have a high sensitivity to such fixed patterns in view
of their visual characteristics, it is preferable to design the
arrangement of detection patterns such that they cannot be easily
viewed. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, control is
performed such that it becomes more difficult for human eyes to
recognize a detection pattern.
[0087] In the present embodiment, before the processing in step S01
of FIG. 5, selection of a detection pattern area and selection
processing of a detection pattern are performed. FIG. 13 is a
flowchart showing selection of a detection pattern area and
selection processing of a detection pattern according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a view showing
printing results of detection patterns as a result of the
processing shown in FIG. 13.
[0088] In the present embodiment, a direct sensing print head 101
includes 64 ink ejection nozzles, and in the case of a dither
pattern consisting of 16.times.16 pixels, detection patterns are
printed by dividing an area into four (64/16=4). That is, as shown
in FIG. 14, a detection pattern area 104 on a surface of a sheet S
is divided into four, and the resulting areas are denoted by #0,
#1, #2, and #3 from left to right in FIG. 14.
[0089] In step S101 of FIG. 13, it is determined in which area of
the areas #0, #1, #2, and #3 in the detection pattern area 104, a
detection pattern is printed. This determination may satisfy a
condition that the areas #0, #1, #2, and #3 are selected
substantially at an equal frequency, but it is preferable that
repetitions in constant cycles be avoided, such as
#0.fwdarw.#1.fwdarw.#2.fwdarw.#3.fwdarw.#0.fwdarw.#1 . . . .
Further, in step S102, a dither pattern D101 used for a detection
pattern is selected from a plurality of dither patterns D102. As
shown in FIG. 15, there are n dither patterns D102, and FIG. 15
shows the number of uses as a "frequency" for each dither pattern.
The use frequencies are substantially the same when the use
frequency is added up for each ink ejection nozzle of the direct
sensing print head 101 (a nozzle array direction is represented by
x).
[0090] As described above, by selecting from the dither patterns
D102 according to the condition that the areas are selected at an
equal frequency like the area selection in step S101, it is
possible to avoid unevenness in use frequencies of nozzles in the
direct sensing print head 101. It is also possible to produce an
effect of extending a useful life of the direct sensing print head
101. After a detection pattern is selected in step S103, the
processing described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed in
step S104. This processing is repeated for each area. As a result,
the detection patterns are printed as shown in FIG. 14. It should
be noted that FIG. 14 omits printing of an image for the sake of
simplicity. FIG. 14 shows an example of using three detection
patterns 1001, 1002, and 1003. More specifically, first, a
detection pattern 1001a is printed in the area #3 of the detection
pattern area 104 and then read by a direct sensor 102 to control an
amount of conveyance. In the same manner, in succession a detection
pattern 1003a is printed in the area #0, a detection pattern 1003b
in the area #2, a detection pattern 1002a in the area #1, a
detection pattern 1002b in the area #3, a detection pattern 1001b
in the area #2, and a detection pattern 1001c in the area #0.
Control of an amount of conveyance is performed accordingly.
[0091] As described above, by dividing the detection pattern area
104 into a plurality of areas to print detection patterns, it is
possible to obtain a printing result in which a detection pattern
is less likely to be viewed.
Fifth Embodiment
[0092] In the above embodiments, descriptions have been given of
the example of printing detection patterns with a single ink on the
surface of the sheet S. Detection patterns may be printed with a
plurality of ink colors. In a fifth embodiment of the present
invention, a plurality of ink colors are used to obtain a printing
result in which a detection pattern is less likely to be
viewed.
[0093] FIG. 16 is a graph showing a hue and exemplary usages of
inks representing the hue. FIG. 17 is a graph showing lightness and
exemplary usages of inks representing the lightness. In the present
embodiment, four inks are used: C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow),
and K (black).
[0094] In FIG. 16, a horizontal axis shows a hue angle in a range
of 0.degree. to 360(0.degree.) with the hue of C being set as a
reference 0.degree. and a vertical axis shows a usage of ink. Note
that K ink is omitted. Regarding a usage of each ink, C ink is
shown by a solid line, M ink by alternate long and short lines, and
Y ink by a chain double-dashed line. It is indicated that C ink is
used mainly in a range of 0.degree. to 60.degree. and 300.degree.
to 360(0.degree.), M ink in a range of 60.degree. to 180.degree.,
and Y ink 180.degree. to 300.degree.. In FIG. 17, a horizontal axis
shows a usage of ink and a vertical axis shows lightness (L).
Originally, usages of C, M, and Y inks change in a hue direction,
but the hue direction is omitted, and a total usage of C, M, and Y
inks is shown by a broken line and a usage of K ink is shown by a
solid line. If lightness is low (dark), the usage of the K ink
increases. The usage of C, M, and Y inks increases in an
intermediate lightness. If lightness is high, the usages of all
inks decrease. Based on the characteristics of ink usages shown in
FIGS. 16 and 17, the K ink is more likely to be used for a color
having a lightness lower than 50. The C, M, and Y inks are more
likely to be used for a color having a lightness higher than 50 in
the respective hue angles when dividing the hue direction into
three hue ranges which have hues of C, M, and Y as the center of
each range respectively.
[0095] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing direct sensing processing and
a conveyance amount control based on direct sensing processing
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which
uses the above-described ink usage characteristics.
[0096] In FIG. 18, first in step S201, determination on in which
area of a detection pattern area 104, a detection pattern is
printed and selection of a detection pattern to be used as
described in the fourth embodiment described with reference to FIG.
13. In step S202, of the image data to be printed, a hue and
lightness are obtained based on image data printed in the area of
the detection pattern area 104 determined in step S201 (data
analysis). In step S203, if the lightness obtained in step S202 is
50 or lower, the process proceeds to step S204, and it is
determined that an ink color used for the detection pattern is K
(achromatic color) (ink color selection). If the lightness is
higher than 50, the process proceeds to step S205.
[0097] In step S205, if the hue angle calculated in step S202
satisfies 60.ltoreq.hue<180, the process proceeds to step S206,
and it is determined that an ink color used for the detection
pattern is M (chromatic color). If not, the process proceeds to
step S207. In step S207, if the hue angle calculated in step S202
satisfies 180.ltoreq.hue<300, the process proceeds to step S206,
and it is determined that an ink color used for the detection
pattern is Y. If not, the process proceeds to step S209. In step
S209, it is determined that an ink color used for the detection
pattern is C, and the process proceeds to step S210.
[0098] In step S210, as described above in the first embodiment
with reference to FIG. 5, a detection pattern is printed and read,
and image data is printed while an amount of conveyance is
controlled. In step S211, the above processing is repeated until a
print job is finished. Further, if the lightness calculated in step
S202 is 95 or higher (equal to or higher than a predetermined
value), image data is very light. If an ink amount used actually
for printing is small, processing is performed in which an ink
color used for the detection pattern is determined to be Y
(S209).
[0099] FIG. 19 is a view showing printing results of detection
patterns according to the present embodiment. In the example shown
in FIG. 19, a detection pattern is first printed in an area 1501
with Y, then in an area 1502 with M, and in an area 1503 with K.
The method for selecting an area in which a detection pattern is
printed is the same as the one used in the fourth embodiment.
[0100] It should be noted that the use frequency of each ink is
counted, and if the count of use frequency of one ink is double the
count of use frequency of another ink, for example, in step S204,
an ink color having the lowest count of use frequency is used for
the detection pattern. In an area in which lightness is low, a
detection pattern is less conspicuous if any ink color is used.
This characteristic is utilized to equalize use frequencies between
the inks, or the print heads. As described above, the number of
uses of an ink for printing a detection pattern is stored for each
ink color in a selection number storage memory, and if lightness of
the detection pattern is equal to or lower than a predetermined
level, an ink of the smallest number of uses is selected based on a
storage result in the selection number storage memory.
Other Embodiment
[0101] In the above-described first to fifth embodiments,
descriptions have been given of the example of generating print
data on a detection pattern by using a dither matrix apart from
print data for printing an image. However, dots that can be used
for a detection pattern may be extracted from print data on an
image to be printed and printed by a direct sensing print head 101,
and based on the detection result, an amount of conveyance may be
controlled. That is, from the relation between image data and a
dither pattern, it is possible to know how dots are printed on a
sheet. From pixels on which the dots are printed, pixel dots that
can be used for a detection pattern may be extracted and printed by
the direct sensing print head 101. The dots used for the detection
pattern should not be printed by a print head 14 used for printing
an image. At this time, if there is a shortage of dots needed for
printing the detection pattern, generating a detection pattern by
the methods described above in the embodiments can solve the
shortage even if there are pixels that do not have print data on an
image.
Still Further Embodiment
[0102] The printing systems of the above-described embodiments use
a line-type print head having nozzles arranged corresponding to the
width of a print medium conveyed. The application of the present
invention is not limited to this system. For example, a serial type
may be used in which scanning of a print medium is performed by a
print head, and ink is ejected from nozzles during the
scanning.
[0103] Furthermore, control based on direct sensing is not limited
to conveyance control. For example, print control of a printing
timing or the like may be performed based on a measurement result
of a detection pattern.
[0104] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent structures and functions.
[0105] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-154963, filed Jul. 30, 2014, which is hereby
incorporated by reference wherein in its entirety.
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